December 3, 2003—Installation has begun on the largest solar electric system at any university in the worldand one of the largest solar energy systems in the nation, according to PowerLight Corp. president Dan Shugar at California State University, Hayward.
The 1.05 megawatt solar electric system, built by Berkeley-based PowerLight, will provide a clean, reliable, cost-effective source of electricity, leveraging the areas abundant sunlight, Shugar said. The solar generation system will deliver approximately 30 percent of the campus peak electricity demands.
Cal State Hayward’s solar system, covering more than 75,600 square feet, will feature rooftop arrays on four of the university’s largest buildings, Physical Education, Music and Business, Arts and Education, and Meiklejohn Hall. The $7.11 million project will generate roughly 1,450,000 kilowatt hours annually, producing enough electricity in the daytime to power more than 1,000 homes. A total of 5,260 solar tiles will be laid and construction is expected to be completed by December, according to university energy specialist Terry Beebe.
The cost of the new solar energy system to the university will be approximately $3.55 million, which is being financed over 15 years through utility savings from the project, according to Richard Metz, vice president, Administration and Business Affairs. Another $3.55 million will be paid through a rebate from the California Public Utilities Commission that will be provided to the university through Pacific Gas and Electric.
There are 23 CSU campuses. Solar energy will provide the university with operational flexibility, according to Metz. The project was authorized by the board of trustees of the California State University system on March 12.
For more information, contact PowerLight.
